Business & Tech

Unemployment Rate In The East Bay Drops to 6.8 Percent

State officials say 4,900 jobs were added in November in the East Bay

The East Bay added 4,900 jobs in November, dropping the region's unemployment rate to 6.8 percent.

That was down from a revised 7.0 percent in October and the 8.3 percent rate from November 2012.

The overall rate in California last month was 8.3 percent.

The jobless rate in both Contra Costa County and Alameda County stood at 6.8 percent, according to the state Employment Development Department.

In Lafayette, the jobless rate in November was 2.4 percent. In Moraga, it was 4.0 percent and in Orinda it was 2.5 percent.

State officials say the 4,900 additional jobs puts the East Bay work force at more than 1 million again. It's estimated to be 1,002,100.

In November, the retail trade industry added 4,000 jobs, mostly for the holiday shopping season. The 10-year average for temporary retail jobs at at this time of year is 3,900.

The East Bay also saw 1,200 jobs added to private educational and health services.

Professional and business services expanded payrolls by 1,100. Professional, scientific and technical services added another 1,500 jobs.

However, the leisure and hospitality industry posted its worst monthly job decline ever, shedding 1,700 jobs.

Administrative support and waste services also lost 700 jobs.

Other sectors of the economy were not listed.



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